Wednesday, February 5, 2014

It's Monumental

Okay, the title of this post has a humorous bent to it. But in all seriousness, the monument CCP is erecting in Reykjavik is nothing short of inspired in my book. I have to admit right up front, the thought of "Mabrick" being etched in granite anywhere in the world really appeals to my ego. I have always been Mabrick. I will always be Mabrick. I am sure having their character names chiseled into granite appeals to many players' ego. Whether they'll admit it or not is a different matter. But personally, I am both pleased and intrigued that CCP has thought to do this. To me it is further evidence they are not your average game producer.

And in case you're wondering what the hell I'm talking about, I am talking about this.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="770"] Worlds Within a World - The EVE Universe Monument[/caption]

To quote the CCP website about the monument,

The monument is an a outdoor sculpture by the artist Sigurður Guðmundsson with help and input from EVE Online‘s own art directors Börkur Eiríksson and Ásgeir Jón Ásgeirsson. It will stand at over five meters tall and will consist of two main elements facing each other through a highly polished stainless steel surface in the middle that reflects and mirrors the elements and the landscape. On the left side of the model stands a dark aluminum structure with a quote from the EVE Universe and on the right a dark granite facial figure representing the players behind the game.

The monument will stand atop a half meter tall metal-plated concrete platform that will have the names of all the “main characters” of all active EVE Online players etched upon it. This list of active, paying players will be captured on March 1st, 2014—no exceptions. In addition, CCP will be honoring EVE Online players who have passed away by adding their names to the monument, as described in the following section.

Under the monument a buried laptop will serve as a time capsule with videos, messages, wishes and more from the players and the development staff. A web-based application will assist in finding specific names on the monument‘s surface. More on the time capsule will be announced at www.eve.com/monument.

To be certain, I am not the first EVE blogger to write about this. Wilhelm Arcturus over on The Ancient Gaming Noob has already done a piece on it as has The Verge, which popped up on my alerts as I wrote this post. I am certain more will follow, both reports on the monument and other things from CCP. The battle in B-R was perfect timing for CCP. From my last post we can see how it caused a HUGE upswing in trending for EVE Online. That increased exposure will serve to amplify everything CCP announces from now until Fanfest. It's incredible providence some companies only dream about. It really makes me wish I could attend Fanfest. The irresponsible man in my head says to just do it. The wiser and more practical man in my head reminds me of the winter house damage that needs repaired come spring. Can I afford to do both? Well, perhaps - but the intrapersonal conflict that would cause with my better half is not so easily dismissed.

Since it is unlikely I will be able to see the new monument unveiled in person, perhaps CCP has plans to sell replicas of the monument, names and all, to it's loyal fan base. What about it CCP? Are you going to provide desk sized replicas of it? If you do, please try and use the materials of the actual monument: aluminum, stainless steel and granite. This won't make it cheap, but I'm not looking for cheap. I'm looking for desktop art to put in my nerd cave. I figure I'd spend a few hundred dollars on such a thing, but the names must be legible - paint me silly if you'd like.

And one last thing about this announcement. I noticed a sentence in the description that had a curious implication attached to it.

At the event, thousands of EVE Online, DUST 514 and EVE: Valkyrie players will witness the dedication in a special ceremony that will include CCP staff, city officials, friends, and family.

What EVE: Valkyrie players? The game hasn't been released. Are you trying to tell us something here CCP? How I wish it could be true. The strong industry rumor right now is Occulus Rift will release this Summer. Can we hope summer begins on May Day this year instead of Midsummer? You bet we can! Carry on CCP, and thank you.

I admit the "legible" criteria would be nigh on impossible to achieve. It could be done with a laser and be legible under magnification. I'd go for that. They could modify the base to accept a small magnifier lens on a stainless armature, sort of like a dentist's mirror with a multi-jointed handle. The owner could position the looking glass over their name for anyone to see. A second possibility could be that the piece is personalized with only your character's name in large letters. That would make every buyer's piece unique. That could be kinda cool.

Amazing. I agree. I like the idea of "Tex Steele" in granite. it definitely appeals to my ego - and I am NOT ashamed to admit it. Anyone who plays in the EVE universe is truly part of something special, and while we sometimes get upset with CCP and the things they do, the game is truly amazing in its scope, complexity, variety, and ongoing eveolution (Like my intentional mis-spelling?). Just trying to be punny.....

I think it likely that games like EVE Online could produce the next generation of "Dreamers" who long for the stars and space and technology. Given the opportunity to go mine asteroids in real life, I'd sign up yesterday. Rock On, CCP!